By SALINA POST
WACONDA LAKE - Glen Elder State Park was a hopping place over Labor Day Weekend, thanks to the Waconda Lake Camping Club and friends.
Among the activities taking place were the Boat Poker Run, Boat Parade, Glen Elder Lions Club Tractor Parade, Glen Elder Library Golf Cart Poker Run, a food truck from Outlaw BBQ, and Shadow Productions DJ Sunday evening.
"We love being able to help plan and sponsor some of the great activities that take place at our Glen Elder State Park. It’s awesome seeing people come together and enjoy the great outdoors," said Lydia Housh, Waconda Lake Camping Club volunteer and manager of Becker Autos & Trailers, Camper SuperCenter in Beloit. "The fact that we can have great events for lake campers and attendees is awesome! The fact it helps raise money for lake improvements that we all can benefit from is even better."
Shawn DePoy was the boat poker run grand prize winner for the second year in a row and took home $1,095 cash from this year’s event.
Additionally, the Boat Poker Run raised $790 this year and $750 in 2020 to benefit the Waconda Cultural Association for Lake Improvements (WCA). The Glen Elder Marina also helped raise money this year with their donut donations from the weekend. With LakeFest over the Fourth of July holiday and other lake activities, more than $30,000 has been raised for the WCA to go towards lake improvements just this year, Housh said.
The Golf Cart Poker Run was organized by local and library volunteers to benefit the Glen Elder Library. That event raised $905 for the library and the winner, Shayna Deverman, took home the $250 grand prize for high hand and Jim Reed $250 for low hand.
The tractor parade was organized by the Glen Elder Lions Club and started and ended at the park and included a parade through the campground to kick off their event. It has something they have been doing in past years, however they change the route each year, Housh said.
The Labor Day Weekend Boat Poker Run, Boat Parade and DJ were sponsored by local businesses including Shadetree Boat Repair, Schoen’s Auto Repair, Schoen Funeral Home & Monuments, Glen Elder Marina, Waconda Boats & Motors, and Becker Autos & Trailers.
Persons interested in participating in future events are encouraged to contact Housh at 785-534-1227 or Lucille Heller at [email protected].